Back when we were children, our parents urged us to brush our teeth every day, and for plenty of reasons: cavities, gum disease, early tooth loss. And let’s face it -- teeth that don’t get a regular brushing can be a little off-putting. But it’s only recently we’ve learned that poor dental hygiene can also lead to cancer.
This shouldn’t be a total surprise. Inadequate brushing can cause inflammation, which is often associated with cancer. And it’s not the first time that dental issues have been linked to a deadly disease. For example, we’ve known for quite some time that poor oral health can lead to cardiovascular disease. Infectious bacteria flourish in the mouth, migrate to the circulatory system and ultimately damage the heart.

In integrative medicine, the relationship of the teeth to various organs comes not just from Traditional Chinese Medicine although this is a critical starting point. Integrative medicine also pays close attention to the ever growing body of research demonstrating the potentially harmful health effects of root canals and other dental issues and procedures, especially with regard to cancer and chronic illness.

This website is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. You should not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, prescribing any medication or other treatment, or discontinuing any medication or treatment recommended by your healthcare provider.